Description:
Bai Zhi (Angelica dahurica) by Integrity Health Naturals is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine prepared from the dried root of Angelica dahurica, commonly known as Bai Zhi, Angelica Dahurica Root, Dahurian Angelica Root, or Chinese Angelica Root. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Bai Zhi is traditionally valued for its pungent, warm, aromatic properties and its traditional affinity for the Lung, Stomach, and Large Intestine. It is traditionally used to dispel Wind-Cold, open the nasal passages, relieve pain, dry Dampness, reduce swelling, and expel pus. Modern research has identified coumarins, furanocoumarins, volatile oils, polysaccharides, and other constituents in the root and has investigated potential anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, and other biological activities.
Bai Zhi is traditionally used to relieve symptoms associated with Wind-Cold affecting the head and upper respiratory passages. It is particularly associated with headache, forehead pain, nasal congestion, rhinitis, and sinus-related discomfort in traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional literature also describes its use for toothache and facial pain associated with Wind-Cold or Dampness patterns.
Bai Zhi is also traditionally used to dry Dampness, reduce swelling, and support the resolution of certain skin conditions. In TCM, it may be selected for sores, boils, abscesses, swelling, and other skin manifestations associated with Dampness and Heat or Wind-related patterns. These traditional applications should not be interpreted as established treatments for infections or other medical conditions.
Benefits:
- Traditional Chinese herbal medicine prepared from Bai Zhi (Angelica Dahurica Root)
- Traditionally used to dispel Wind-Cold
- Traditionally used to support healthy nasal and sinus function
- Traditionally used to open the nasal passages
- Traditionally used for nasal congestion associated with traditional Wind-Cold patterns
- Traditionally used for headache associated with Wind-Cold
- Traditionally used for forehead headache and facial discomfort
- Traditionally used to relieve pain
- Traditionally used for toothache associated with traditional Wind-Cold patterns
- Traditionally used to dry Dampness
- Traditionally used to reduce swelling
- Traditionally used to support healthy respiratory and nasal function
- Traditionally used for rhinitis and nasal obstruction in traditional Chinese medicine
- Traditionally used for certain sores, boils, and painful swellings
- Traditionally used to expel pus according to traditional TCM applications
- Traditionally used as part of traditional herbal formulas for headache and nasal obstruction
Other Names:
Bai Zhi, Bai Zhi (白芷), Bai Zhi Gen (白芷根), Angelica dahurica, Angelica dahurica (Hoffm.) Benth. & Hook.f. ex Franch. & Sav., Angelica Dahurica Root, Dahurian Angelica Root, Dahurian Angelica, Radix Angelicae Dahuricae, Angelicae Dahuricae Radix, Radix Angelica Dahurica, Chinese Angelica Root, Bai Chih, and Bai Zhi Radix.
Indian names: एंजेलिका डहुरिका (Angelica Dahurica), बाई झी (Bai Zhi), डहुरियन एंजेलिका जड़ (Dahurian Angelica Root).
Persian name: سنبل خطایی (Bai Zhi / Angelica dahurica), بای ژی (Bai Zhi), ریشه آنجلیکا داهوریکا (Angelica Dahurica Root).
Traditional Uses:
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Bai Zhi is traditionally used to dispel Wind-Cold, open the nasal passages, relieve pain, dry Dampness, reduce swelling, and expel pus. It is traditionally selected according to an individual’s TCM pattern and constitution. Traditional applications particularly focus on headache, forehead pain, nasal obstruction, rhinitis, sinus-related discomfort, toothache, facial pain, cold-damp-related pain, and certain skin conditions. Bai Zhi has been used in TCM for centuries and is traditionally incorporated into formulas for headache, nasal obstruction, and other Wind-Cold-related patterns.
Side Effects:
Bai Zhi may cause unwanted effects in some individuals, particularly when used in concentrated preparations or in excessive amounts. Possible effects may include gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, dizziness, headache, or skin sensitivity. Bai Zhi contains furanocoumarins and other coumarin compounds. Some furanocoumarins can increase sensitivity to ultraviolet light, so excessive sun or ultraviolet exposure may be a concern when using concentrated preparations.
Discontinue use and consult a healthcare practitioner if unwanted symptoms occur.
Precautions:
Consult a healthcare practitioner prior to use if you are taking prescription medications or other natural health products, or if you have a medical condition.
Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless directed by a qualified healthcare practitioner or Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner.
Use caution with concentrated Bai Zhi preparations because some constituents, including furanocoumarins, may have photosensitizing properties.
Avoid excessive exposure to direct sunlight or ultraviolet light when using concentrated preparations unless otherwise advised by a healthcare practitioner.
Consult a healthcare practitioner before use if you have a serious or major medical condition, particularly if you have persistent headaches, unexplained facial pain, persistent nasal symptoms, recurrent nosebleeds, or other symptoms requiring medical assessment.
Discontinue use and consult a healthcare practitioner if symptoms persist or worsen or if new symptoms develop.
Interactions:
Consult a healthcare practitioner before using Bai Zhi with prescription medications or other natural health products, as potential interactions may occur. Bai Zhi contains coumarins and furanocoumarins, and laboratory research has identified biological activities that could potentially affect drug-metabolizing pathways. Human clinical interaction data for whole-herb Bai Zhi preparations remain limited.
Dosing:
Use according to the product label or as directed by a qualified healthcare practitioner or Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner. Traditional Chinese medicine references commonly describe Bai Zhi in the approximate range of 3–10 g when used as a decoction, although the appropriate amount depends on the preparation, formula, individual constitution, and clinical circumstances.
Storage:
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep tightly closed and out of reach of children.
Preparation:
If using dried Bai Zhi root, prepare according to the directions provided by your Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner or product instructions. Traditionally, Bai Zhi is prepared as a decoction or combined with other herbs as part of a TCM formula. It may also be powdered or prepared in other traditional forms.
Scientific Support:
Angelica dahurica has a long history of use as both a traditional Chinese medicinal herb and an edible medicinal plant. Modern phytochemical research has identified more than 300 constituents from A. dahurica, with coumarins and volatile oils representing major groups of compounds. Other reported constituents include alkaloids, phenolic compounds, sterols, benzofurans, polyacetylenes, and polysaccharides.
Modern pharmacological studies have investigated potential anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, cardiovascular, and skin-related activities of Angelica dahurica and its constituents. Research has also examined its potential relevance to headache and migraine, although much of the available evidence remains preclinical or pharmacological rather than definitive human clinical evidence.
Current scientific evidence should not be interpreted as establishing Bai Zhi as a treatment or cure for any specific disease. Further well-designed human clinical research is needed to establish efficacy, appropriate dosing, safety, and therapeutic applications.
References & Scientific Support:
Health Canada – Licensed Natural Health Product Database (LNHPD). Health Canada provides regulatory information for licensed natural health products and Traditional Chinese Medicine ingredients. Health Canada records identify Angelica dahurica as a medicinal ingredient in licensed natural health products. Product-specific licensing information should be verified according to the exact formulation, dosage form, and medicinal ingredients. View Health Canada reference. View Health Canada reference.
PubMed – The Angelica dahurica: A Review of Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology. This comprehensive review examines the traditional uses, botanical characteristics, chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, and safety considerations of Angelica dahurica. It reports more than 300 identified chemical constituents, including coumarins and volatile oils, and discusses investigated anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, cardiovascular, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and skin-related activities. View research.
PubMed – Phytochemical Constituents, Folk Medicinal Uses, and Biological Activities of Genus Angelica: A Review. This review examines the phytochemical constituents, traditional medicinal uses, and biological activities of Angelica species, providing additional scientific background relevant to Angelica dahurica (Bai Zhi), including its traditional applications and investigated pharmacological properties. View research. View research.
